UK Asian Film Festival Opening Night Gala: Minimum

The UK Asian Film Festival - the world’s longest running South Asian film festival - screens from Thursday 2 to Sunday 12 May. For the first time, UKAFF will host its Opening Gala at BFI IMAX, London, presenting the world premiere of Minimum. In attendance will be director Rumana Molla, actors Saba Azad and Namit Das and producer Shiladitya Bora.

This year’s Climate of Change theme reflects the sense that the air is shifting in our society; we are ready to move on from the lived experiences of the recent past. To navigate this journey successfully, the UKAFF programme brings inspiration, joy and moments of delight. Cinema is a tool for change as it brings people closer together, it sparks conversations, amplifies voices and builds empathy. Stories guide us to confront the complexities of our world with bravery, compassion and action.

In Minimum Fauzia (Rumana Molla) moves to Belgium after marrying a stranger in a transactional marriage, Ali (Namit Das), over the phone. She is stuck in a house with her mother-in-law, Ruxana (Geetanjali Kulkarni), who insidiously keeps her captive and is suspiciously tight-lipped about Ali and his whereabouts. Soon, she finds out that everything she had been told about her husband was a lie. About to give in to despair Fauzia forges a friendship with a language tutor whereupon secrets are revealed and Fauzia learns to demand more than the bare minimum. As they spend more time together and as she learns more about life beyond her cocoon, Fauzia decides to leave, finding herself all alone in a city that isn’t her own, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and independence.

This directorial debut, from US-born Belgian actor Rumana Molla, is a touching drama exploring our cultural differences with warmth, affection and heartfelt humour. Join us in the opening night at the BFI IMAX with in person introductions from the filmmakers.